Commemorating the 25th anniversary of the Comprehensive Everglades Restoration Plan.
- Bill Number
- H.Res. 950
- Origin Chamber
- House
- Congress
- 119th Congress, Session 1
- Policy Area
- Environmental Protection
- Status
- Introduced
- Latest Action
- 2026-02-02: Referred to the Subcommittee on Water Resources and Environment.
- Last Updated
- 2026-02-03T09:05:39Z
AI-Generated Summary
Purpose
This House Resolution (H. Res. 950) aims to commemorate the 25th anniversary of the Comprehensive Everglades Restoration Plan (CERP), a major U.S. environmental initiative. It highlights CERP's role as a long-term, bipartisan effort to restore the Everglades ecosystem in South Florida while addressing water supply, flood protection, and related needs. The resolution reaffirms ongoing federal and state commitments to the plan's goals.
Key Provisions
- Commemoration: Officially marks December 11, 2025, as the 25th anniversary of CERP, authorized by Congress in the Water Resources Development Act (WRDA) of 2000.
- Recognition of Framework: Acknowledges WRDA 2000 as the foundational law for CERP and emphasizes the need for future WRDA authorizations to advance specific restoration projects.
- Honoring Leadership: Praises bipartisan support across multiple U.S. presidential administrations (Clinton, Bush, Obama, Trump, Biden) and Florida gubernatorial administrations (Bush, Crist, Scott, DeSantis) for sustaining the effort.
- Reaffirmation of Commitment: Calls for continued federal and state investments in planning, construction, science, and monitoring to meet CERP milestones, improve water quality, enhance ecosystem resilience, and protect community health, safety, and economic vitality in Florida.
Significant Changes to Existing Law
None. As a congressional resolution, this document does not amend or enact new laws. It serves a symbolic and declarative purpose, reinforcing the importance of existing statutes like WRDA 2000 without introducing alterations.
Potential Impacts
- On Government Agencies: Encourages sustained funding and coordination between federal agencies (e.g., Army Corps of Engineers) and Florida state agencies for CERP projects, potentially accelerating timelines for initiatives like reservoir construction and dike improvements.
- On Citizens: Benefits millions of Floridians by supporting cleaner drinking water, flood protection, and resilience against storms and saltwater intrusion, which could safeguard homes, schools, businesses, and infrastructure.
- On International Relations: Minimal direct impact, though the Everglades' restoration indirectly supports U.S. environmental leadership on global issues like ecosystem preservation and climate adaptation.
- Economic and Environmental: Promotes a "clean water economy" valued at approximately $1 trillion to Florida and the nation, including tourism, agriculture, and fisheries, while advancing habitat restoration for wildlife.
Main Stakeholders Affected
- Federal and State Governments: U.S. Congress, presidential administrations, Florida state government, and agencies involved in water management and environmental protection.
- Florida Residents and Communities: Particularly in South Florida, including those relying on the Everglades for water supply, flood control, and economic opportunities.
- Environmental and Conservation Groups: Organizations like The Everglades Foundation, which advocate for restoration and benefit from highlighted progress (e.g., Kissimmee River restoration, Tamiami Trail modifications).
- Businesses and Industries: Sectors tied to tourism, agriculture, and real estate that depend on a healthy Everglades ecosystem for sustainability and economic value.
Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications
- Legal: No binding legal effects, but it underscores the role of WRDA as a key mechanism for authorizing CERP projects, potentially influencing future appropriations and congressional oversight.
- Constitutional: Aligns with Congress's authority under the Commerce Clause to regulate interstate waters and environmental resources, without raising constitutional challenges.
- Political: Emphasizes bipartisan consensus on environmental restoration, fostering cross-party support for funding amid national debates on infrastructure and climate priorities; it highlights the plan's multigenerational, nonpartisan nature to build momentum for completion.
This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.
Sponsor
Rep. Wilson, Frederica S. [D-FL-24]
Cosponsors (2)
Rep. Soto, Darren [D-FL-9], Rep. Frost, Maxwell [D-FL-10]
Recent Actions
- 2026-02-02: Referred to the Subcommittee on Water Resources and Environment.
- 2025-12-12: Referred to the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure.
- 2025-12-12: Submitted in House
- 2025-12-12: Submitted in House
Bill Versions
- Commemorating the 25th anniversary of the Comprehensive Everglades Restoration Plan. — issued 2025-12-12 — PDF (4 pages)